(Queen's Park) – Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop announced today that the Ernie Eves government is moving forward with plans to complete the widening of Highway 12 in Atherley and to reconstruct the Simcoe County Road 44 (Rama Road) intersection leading to Casino Rama.

On behalf of Transportation Minister Norm Sterling, Dunlop announced that the province will tender a contract next week – in partnership with the Township of Ramara and Simcoe County – to select a contractor to complete the work this year.

"Today's announcement is great news for the Atherley community," said Dunlop. "The Highway 12/Rama Road construction project will improve access to Casino Rama and strengthen the economic development of the local area."

The project involves widening Highway 12 from the Atherley Narrows Bridge easterly to 0.2 kilometres east of Balsam Road. The highway will be widened from two to five lanes. It also includes the realignment of Rama Road and the installation of traffic signals at Creighton Street and the new Rama Road intersections.

"This infrastructure investment supports continued economic growth and improves highway safety in the area," said Sterling. "I am pleased that with the assistance of Garfield and local officials, my ministry is able to make this important improvement happen."

Construction will start once the contract has been awarded and is anticipated to be completed by late fall.

"Minister Sterling, Garfield Dunlop, ministry staff and I have worked hard over the past year to make this project move forward," said Dr. Tom Garry, Mayor, Township of Ramara. "Once completed, the improvements to Highway 12 and Rama Road will help facilitate the immediate development of commercial lands in the area."

This investment is part of the government's five-year, $20-billion SuperBuild initiative. Since 1995, the Ontario government has invested more than $7.5 billion in highway capital programs.

Contact:
Garfield Dunlop
(705) 327-4500 (cell)